Liquidlogic Alpha 90

Size, Weight, Capacity

The Alpha is currently available in either a 75 or 90 version, these numbers equating the volume in gallons of either boat.

The 75 is the version of the Alpha which fits racing specs. At 8’11” long, it comes in just under that all important 9’ mark. It’s narrow, too, at 25” which gives it loads of hull speed and you’ll be flying over holes with ease in this 47lbs (21kg) boat. The ideal paddler weight for the Alpha 75 is 100 – 200lbs (45 – 91kg).

If you’re not sure the 75 is enough kayak for you, the 90 should have you covered. It’s 9’2” (279 cm) long, so you won’t be able to enter any events, but you’ll be having too much fun to be concerned. It’s still only 26.5” (67 cm) wide as well, so it doesn’t have the feel of a ‘big’ boat. The Alpha 90 weighs 50 lbs (22.5 kg), light enough for those long wilderness portages into remote creeks. Paddler weight range for the 90 is 150 – 250 lbs (68 – 113 kg).

Features

The Alpha is a fast and aggressive boat with a hull profile to match. Enormous amounts of bow rocker allow this boat to skip over holes and waves, while the top deck is designed to shed water efficiently as you come out of a feature.

Behind the rocker curve, the planing hull is flatter and designed to carry maximum speed through the water and increase stability. The rocker profile at the rear is designed similar to the popular Liquidlogic Braap and gives the boat a reliable, quick carving and fun feel.

Liquidlogic’s Badass outfitting has long been the most comfortable on the market. Together with the slightly lower deck profile on the Alpha, it will ensure that you’re fully connected to the boat, driving it around the river with ease. Highly adjustable hip pads, thigh braces and backrest combine with a padded seat and foot plate to maximise safety, comfort and control.

Security grab handles are fitted along the top deck for rescues. There’s also a bung at the very rear of the boat to drain out any water you take on down the river.

Performance

Remember that last rapid you ran where you paused because the curling wave was bigger than you thought? Or that boof move over the hole was too vertical? Well if you were in the Alpha you would have no problem. The enormous bow rocker and the speed this boat carries allows you to focus on styling the line rather than simply making it.

Don’t worry if you’re a bit off, though. This is a forgiving race boat which can be paddled at all levels and is equally great as a river runner and as a creeker.

The varied edges along the boat mean that if you lean forwards you can make nippy eddy line turns and whip the boat around, while moving your weight backwards will engage the carving edges and make for longer sweeping turns.

It’s fun, it’s fast and it’s nimble, what more could you want in a 9’ boat?